US leader teases trade deal with ‘highly respected country’

US President Donald Trump has teased what he called a “major trade deal”, which would mark the first such agreement to be announced since he imposed tariffs on dozens of America’s trading partners.

He will hold a news conference at 10:00 in Washington DC (15:00 BST) to announce an agreement with “representatives of a big, and highly respected, country”, Trump said on the Truth Social platform, giving no more details.

Several US media outlets have reported that the US will strike a trade agreement with the UK, citing people familiar with the plans.

The BBC has contacted the White House and the UK’s Department for Business & Trade for comment on the reports.

On 2 April, Trump announced steep tariffs on dozens of trading partners, before announcing a 90-day pause on the levies.

Governments from around the world have been scrambling to strike deals with Washington before the new deadline passes.

He left a 10% global tariff in place, which included the UK, though the long-time ally of America was not subject to the administration’s higher “reciprocal” tariffs.

The UK is also subject to a 25% US import tax on steel, aluminium and cars.

Washington is close to agreeing trade deals with India and Israel, according to reports.

The administration is also continuing talks with several other countries including Japan, South Korea and Vietnam.

Trump has said he wants nations to strike new deals with the US as he tries to radically reshape the global trading system.